Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Tablet Regimen of Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Compared With a Single Tablet Regimen of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in HIV-1 Infected, Antiretroviral Treatment-Naive Adults

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the emtricitabine (FTC)/rilpivirine (RPV)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) single-tablet regimen (STR) compared with the efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF STR in HIV-1 infected adults who had not previously received treatment with antiretroviral medications.

Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of the study treatments. Randomization was stratified by HIV-1 RNA level (≤ 100,000 copies/mL or > 100,000 copies/mL) at screening. A treatment duration of 96 weeks was planned, with the option for subjects in FTC/RPV/TDF STR arm to receive treatment following the Week 96 visit until FTC/RPV/TDF STR is commercially available or until Gilead Sciences elects to terminate development in that country.

A Phase 3B, Randomized, Open-label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Tablet Regimen of Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Compared With a Single Tablet Regimen of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in HIV-1 Infected, Antiretroviral Treatment-Naive Adults

Development of HIV-1 Drug Resistance Through Week 96, All Participants [ Time Frame: Baseline to Week 96 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Participants who experienced either suboptimal virologic response or virologic rebound were considered to have virologic failure and were analyzed for resistance. Suboptimal virologic response was assessed at Week 8 and was defined as having HIV-1 RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL and < 1-log10 reduction from baseline at the Week 8 visit, which was confirmed at the subsequent visit. Virologic rebound was defined as having 2 consecutive visits with HIV-1 RNA ≥ 400 copies/mL after achieving HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL, or as having 2 consecutive visits with > 1 log10 increase in HIV-1 RNA from their nadir. In addition, subjects who were on study drugs, had not been analyzed previously, and who had HIV-1 RNA ≥ 400 copies/mL at Week 48, Week 96, or their last visit (at or after Week 8) were also analyzed for resistance at their last visit. Subsequent to the first resistance testing, subjects experiencing repeated confirmed virologic failure were assessed for resistance retesting on a case-by-case basis.

Resistance Analysis Set: participants with either suboptimal virologic response or virologic rebound were considered to have virologic failure and were analyzed. Suboptimal virologic response was assessed at Week 8 and was defined as having HIV-1 RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL and < 1-log10 reduction from baseline at the Week 8 visit, which was confirmed at the subsequent visit. Virologic rebound was defined as having 2 consecutive visits with HIV-1 RNA ≥ 400 copies/mL after achieving HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL, or as having 2 consecutive visits with > 1 log10 increase in HIV-1 RNA from their nadir. In addition, subjects who were on study drugs, had not been analyzed previously, and who had HIV-1 RNA ≥ 400 copies/mL at Week 48, Week 96, or their last visit (at or after Week 8) were also analyzed for resistance at their last visit. Subsequent to the first resistance testing, subjects experiencing repeated confirmed virologic failure were assessed for resistance retesting on a case-by-case basis.

Males and Females of childbearing potential must have agreed to utilize highly effective contraception methods (two separate forms of contraception, one of which must be an effective barrier method, or be non-heterosexually active, practice sexual abstinence or have a vasectomized partner) from screening throughout the duration of study period and for 12 weeks following the last dose of study drug.

Adult (≥ 18 years) males or non-pregnant females

Exclusion Criteria:

A new AIDS-defining condition diagnosed within the 30 days prior to screening

Females who were breastfeeding

Positive serum pregnancy test (female of childbearing potential)

Proven or suspected acute hepatitis in the 30 days prior to study entry

Subjects receiving drug treatment for hepatitis C, or subjects who were anticipated to receive treatment for hepatitis C during the course of the study

Subjects experiencing decompensated cirrhosis

Had an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker

Current alcohol or substance abuse

A history of malignancy within the past 5 years or ongoing malignancy other than cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, or resected, non-invasive cutaneous squamous carcinoma

Receiving ongoing therapy or anticipated to need to initiate drugs or herbal/natural supplements during the study that are contraindicated or not recommended for use, including drugs not to be used with FTC, EFV, RPV, or TDF; or subjects with known allergies to the excipients of the FTC/RPV/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF single-tablet regimens

Participation in any other clinical trial without prior approval from the sponsor was prohibited while participating in this trial.

Had been treated with immunosuppressant therapies or chemotherapeutic agents within 3 months of study screening, or expected to receive these agents or systemic steroids for immunosuppression during the study (eg, corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and other immune-based or cytokine-based therapies)

Had any other clinical condition or prior therapy that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would have made the participant unsuitable for the study or unable to comply with the dosing requirements

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01309243